Category Archive

lessons learned

After the dust has settled, sometimes it’s nice to share the core lessons that you learned from your wedding… sort of a paying it forward sorta thing, to help future couples avoid making the same mistakes you did. We’re always looking for more “lessons learned” submissions, too. Tell us what YOU learned!

wedding videography real talk alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Wedding video real talk: Professional versus home movies

As we walked down the aisle, I had a moment of panic when I noticed multiple cameras on us — not only were our husband-and-wife photographer team standing at the end of the aisle waiting for us, there were two people with video cameras up there, too! Thoughts of wedding crashers who got in under the guise of being the hired videographer crossed my mind… but it turned out that both my wife’s dad and my mom had decided to surprise us with a videographer. Here’s what I learned from this unique experience of having the home video-style photography AND the professional videography…

15879174192 a8fc888cfc c alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Choose your wedding party carefully, and 6 more pieces of wedding advice I needed

I read every advice blog there was. I knew what should be in my emergency kit, and I was completely on top of all to-do lists. I had thought about all the things brides forget about. Despite how excited I was (and am) about my marriage, despite how awesome our loved ones are, and despite how much I love projects — I HATED planning our wedding. I believe my experience would have been a bit different if I had read this advice first…

15398103915 9e01b68fc0 c alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Confidence: the secret key to pulling off a guilt-free budget wedding

When I was planning my wedding, cost was a big factor. While I wanted to enjoy the day and have it represent my partner and me, I didn’t want to do it at a premium cost. So I SCOURED the internet to find ways to slash my budget. The problem was that some of these “20 Ideas to Cut Your Budget” just weren’t feasible. Here is where I think the biggest difficulties in planning a budget wedding lie: that it’s really hard to find affirmation in choosing the “cheaper” way. So here are my tips for planning a guilt-free “budget” wedding…

destination wedding decor alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

The 10 things to help you keep calm and plan a destination wedding

I have been planning my destination wedding for over a year. I’m part of several destination weddings forums and I’ve heard my share of horror stories. So take what I say with a grain of salt, but here is some advice that might help newbie destination couples keep their sanity while planning their wedding.